Vientiane in 1 night, 2 days: temples, Patuxai, That Luang, the Mekong and staying safe

One night, two days is enough for Vientiane

The Lao capital is a low, flat city spread along the Mekong. The golden That Luang, old temples such as Haw Phra Kaew and Wat Si Saket, and Patuxai are all in town, so you can see them on foot and by tuk-tuk. The guide suggests 1 to 2 nights.

Walk the temple quarter on the first day and end at the Mekong riverside; on the second, see Patuxai, That Luang and the COPE Visitor Centre before heading to the airport.

According to Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rainy season runs roughly May-September and the dry season October-April. March-May brings daytime highs above 40°C, so November-February is the most comfortable time to avoid both heat and rain.

• Day 1: airport → check in → Haw Phra Kaew → Wat Si Saket → Wat Si Muang and Ho Lak Muang → Mekong riverside
• Day 2: Patuxai viewing deck → tuk-tuk to That Luang → COPE Visitor Centre → airport

• Vientiane travel guide →
• Traveling Southeast Asia in the rainy season →

Wattay Airport to the city, and bring cash

According to the terminal operator (L-JATS), buses and airport taxis run between the airport and downtown, and the Vientiane Bus reservation counter is in the arrival lobby. Check routes and times at the counter or through official information.

Airport taxis and minivans charge a fixed fare by destination. The airport website posts a tariff, but it dates from 2019, so check current fares at the counter on arrival. The airport advises having cash ready for transport into the city.

The currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says US dollars and Thai baht are also widely usable, but exchanging at a bank in advance is better value.

• Airport bus: Vientiane Bus counter in the arrival lobby; check routes, times and fares officially
• Airport taxi or minivan: fixed fare by destination; check current fares at the arrival counter
• Have cash for the ride into town
• Currency: Lao kip (LAK); a bank exchange is better value

Day 1: Haw Phra Kaew

Haw Phra Kaew is the former royal temple built by King Setthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is no longer here, but the temple keeps precious relics such as bronze Buddha images and stone inscriptions. Officially open daily 8:00-17:00.

This is the Chanthabouly temple quarter, and the former royal palace (now the Presidential Office) is close by, so the sights link up easily on foot.

Wear modest clothing when entering temples. According to Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointing at people or things with a finger or foot is considered rude.

• Haw Phra Kaew: daily 8:00-17:00
• The former royal palace (Presidential Office) is nearby
• Modest clothing in temples

Wat Si Saket and Wat Si Muang

Wat Si Saket stands directly opposite, across the street. Built in 1818 under Chao Anouvong, the last king of the Vientiane kingdom, it is the only temple to have survived the invasions of 1827-1828 unburned. A cloister surrounds it on all four sides, and 2,052 small Buddha images sit in niches inside the ordination hall. Officially open daily 8:00-17:00.

Next is Wat Si Muang, the temple of the city pillar (lak muang). Locals come daily to make wishes, especially on Tuesdays and Buddhist holy days. It is open from early morning to evening, and Ho Lak Muang opposite preserves ancient pillar stones found with an inscription dated 1540.

Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises avoiding more than 30 minutes in direct sun, so rest in the shade often as you walk between temples.

• Wat Si Saket: daily 8:00-17:00, 2,052 small Buddha images
• Wat Si Muang: early morning to evening; busy on Tuesdays and Buddhist holy days
• Ho Lak Muang: ancient pillar stones found with a 1540 inscription

Sunset on the Mekong riverside

Every evening locals and travellers walk and rest along the Mekong to watch the sun go down; the airport operator itself names the riverside sunset as Vientiane's special charm. Small restaurants line the riverside, ideal for dinner.

Because foreigners gather here, Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs flags the area for bag snatching and drugged drinks. Don't accept free drinks or food from strangers, and avoid quiet stretches after dark.

The ministry advises walking with at least one other person after dark (after 6 p.m.) or on quiet streets. Drink bottled or boiled water and check that ice is clean.

• Dinner at a small riverside restaurant at sunset
• Don't accept drinks or food from strangers
• After 6 p.m., walk with at least one other person
• Bottled or boiled water, clean ice

Day 2: Patuxai, That Luang, then COPE

In the morning, head to Patuxai in the middle of Lane Xang Avenue. Formerly called the Victory Monument, the 49 m gateway was built in 1957-1962. Officially you can climb to the top daily 8:00-16:00 for city views. Check the fee officially.

Then take a tuk-tuk to That Luang, the 45 m golden great stupa that symbolises Laos. It was enlarged in 1556 by King Setthathirath, who made Vientiane the capital of the Lan Xang kingdom, and was regilded in 2016-2017. Check hours and fees officially. Agree on the tuk-tuk fare before setting off.

In the afternoon, the COPE Visitor Centre covers the history and impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos and rehabilitation work. Entry is free (donations welcome) and it opens daily, but its official site lists two different closing times, so check hours officially. COPE's official site also provides a Lao-language audio clip for drivers. Then leave plenty of time for the airport.

• Patuxai: viewing deck daily 8:00-16:00; check the fee officially
• That Luang: 45 m; check hours and fees officially
• Agree on tuk-tuk fares before you ride
• COPE: free (donations welcome); check hours officially

Safety rules and emergency numbers

Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists the Mekong riverside and Nam Phou, and the areas around That Luang and Patuxai, as places to be careful. Motorbike bag snatching happens, so carry a small backpack rather than a thin-strapped bag. Incidents rise during festivals such as Lao New Year, the boat races, the That Luang Festival and the year-end holidays.

Avoid driving or renting a motorbike. According to the ministry, traffic accidents are very frequent, especially in the capital, and you can be fined as unlicensed after an accident. Some areas sell 'happy' food containing cannabis or shakes with toxic mushrooms; they are illegal in Laos too, so never try them.

Use mosquito repellent at all times and bring your usual medicines. Under Korea's travel alerts Vientiane is level 1, but the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo province is a do-not-travel area, so don't go there. Check entry requirements officially before you travel.

• Police 1191, fire 1190, Vientiane rescue 1623 / 1624 / 1625
• Golden Triangle SEZ in Bokeo province: do not travel
• Avoid driving or renting a motorbike
• No 'happy' food or shakes
• Entry requirements: check official info

• Full Vientiane travel guide →
• Bangkok in 5 days →

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